Richmond keen to extend winning streak against Hawthorn in Launceston James Bresnehan
From: The Mercury
March 08, 2013 IT MAY not be the 10-goal mauling the Tigers handed Hawthorn when they met last season but Richmond is determined to humble the Hawks again tomorrow.
The Tigers hit the immaculate green carpet at Aurora Stadium today for a relaxed run ahead of their Round 3 NAB Cup showdown with Hawthorn tomorrow at 1.10pm.
Already packing a 2-1 win-loss ratio and sitting sixth on the pre-season table, compared to a winless Hawthorn sitting second-last, Richmond is not just preparing its systems for Round 1.
“We’ve come here to win,” assistant coach Ross Smith said.
“We beat both Grand Final teams last year, but we need to win games and build our confidence going into the season proper.”
The Tigers have been boosted by the return of new captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Brett Deledio, ruckman Ivan Maric, midfielder Reece Conca and defender Steven Morris.
Richmond’s new key defender Troy Chaplin has been tipped to play half a game on his way into the team after injury, and new midfielder Sam Lonergan, picked up from Essendon, will play most of the match in his first game back from injury.
“To have Chappy to bolster our backline is fantastic, and we’ve got a pretty good midfield as it is but Sam Lonergan adds a little bit of grunt and experience and compliments that,” Smith said.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-keen-to-extend-winning-streak-against-hawthorn-in-launceston/story-fndv8t7m-1226593265066
